The solidarity concert "Colombia: Voices for Life" raised more than 3.5 billion Colombian pesos, equivalent to approximately 1.1 million dollars, to support victims of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that shook several regions of the country on 10 August. The event, scheduled for Sunday in Bogotá, will bring together 23 artists on the Vive Claro stage, with a capacity of around 40,000 spectators.
Luz Ángela Castro, general director of Ocesa Colombia, the company organising the event, stated that the aim is to "unite our voices, our hands and our know-how to raise funds and rebuild the homes of Colombians whose living conditions have been affected". Among the confirmed artists are Miguel Bosé, Sebastián Yatra and Karol G, who will participate via online broadcast. To date, more than 21,000 donations have been made.
Donations start from 100,000 Colombian pesos, approximately 32 dollars, and vary depending on location. Castro noted that citizens purchase a concert ticket through donation via the Ticketmaster Colombia online platform. She clarified that space is still available and that ticket sales have not closed.
The organiser explained that all funds raised go directly to Presentes Corporation, a company specialising in the reconstruction of homes and infrastructure affected by natural disasters. The event will also have the support of sponsoring companies from the entertainment sector and the Con Cora Foundation, of Karol G.
The 10 August earthquake was centred in San José del Palmar, a municipality in the Chocó department. Colombia's Institute of Forensic Medicine has received 312 bodies of victims, although Colombian President Abelardo De la Espriella reported 289 deaths in an address to the country on Monday.
